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Minimalist Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide

Discover the jewelry minimalists are going crazy for to wear alone, stacked, or layered with other fine jewelry pieces that will remain trendy now and for years to come.

Minimalist Jewelry

Whether you like plain and simple jewelry designs or you’re wanting to add a more minimalist edge to your style, we’re here to help you on your minimalist style journey.

Minimalist jewelry is and always will be a fashionable option for just about any event or occasion. We’ve looked at common mistakes made when trying to pull off this look and how we can make it easier for you to rock minimalist jewelry and still look effortlessly stunning. 

Here are our top tips to look out for when purchasing, pairing, and wearing minimalist jewelry like a pro.

What Is Minimalist Jewelry?

Essentially, minimalist jewelry is accessories with simple and unfussy designs that work subtly into your look. Simple fashion is the name of the game for people looking to buy and wear minimalist jewelry, but that’s not to say your overall aesthetic won’t make a statement. 

Often subtle jewelry can tie a great outfit together and give it the touch of sparkle it’s missing. Or it can add a hint of your personality to whatever you wear night or day! 

Can I Wear Multiple Pieces of Minimalist Jewelry?

Minimalist jewelry doesn’t necessarily mean you only need one piece of jewelry. Definitely play around with different pieces that you can stack, layer, or wear on different parts of your body. 

Whether you like layering or stacking your jewelry, you can style your go-to minimalist designs in a way that doesn’t give off a cluttered look. 

However, don’t feel as though you need to wear multiple pieces of minimalist jewelry. A simple necklace, bracelet, and ring design can look incredible without the need to add more.

Does The Minimalist Jewelry Need To Be The Same Metal?

Playing around with different metal colors is your prerogative, and no one should say otherwise. 

You can mix and match your minimalist jewelry to your heart’s content, but do keep in mind that when you pair the pieces of the same metal color, it really does make a statement. What you want to avoid is over cluttering your look with too many different colors. So we suggest you stick with two metal colors max. 

Most people with warmer skin tones can pull off a darker metal combination of yellow and rose gold. Whereas those with cooler skin tones look great in white metals like silver, white gold, and platinum. The key is to play around and see which metals look best on you. This can also vary for your day or night looks. 

Related Post: How To Choose The Right Jewelry For Your Skin Tone

Minimalist Jewelry: The Classics

When it comes to minimalist jewelry, invest in the essentials. Add a few classic pieces to your jewelry box for a chic minimalist style that works every time. Timeless jewelry pieces will always pass the latest trends. Whether it’s a pair of gold hoops or a cuff bracelet, you can wear these items to give your everyday look a contemporary spin. 

Classic or vintage jewelry can be bought for absolutely any occasion and will stand the test of time. They also make for the best gifts and are perfect for both casual and formal environments.

Minimalist Jewelry To Make A Bold Statement

The key to a minimalist style is an outfit that has one showstopping jewelry piece. Whether it be a sleek pair of thick huggie hoops or a chunky signet ring, a single jewel can keep you looking fashion-forward. Nothing screams minimalist chic more than one impactful piece of jewelry to keep all eyes on you.   

To get that big and bold look with one piece of jewelry, you’d do best by investing in some solid gold pieces. Modern minimalist jewelry trends all point to yellow gold jewelry, a warm and versatile metal that looks good on any skin tone. 

Minimalist Jewelry: Simple, Yet Sparkling

Just because you’re going with minimalist jewelry doesn’t mean you need to lose your shine. Diamond jewelry is still the perfect choice for a polished and sparkling aesthetic, like diamond pendants or diamond tennis bracelets. Our only advice here will be to stick to one kind of metal if you wear more than one piece of diamond jewelry. 

If you’re looking for just a hint of sparkle, a modest bezel set or dome ring could be the perfect asset to your minimalist collection. 

Keep Your Jewelry Box Light

Minimalist jewelry can serve you time and time again. Stick to a few flexible pieces that you might wear for both informal and formal occasions with any type of outfit. Here, we suggest starting with precious metals. These metals often appear as clean, sleek lines with smooth satin surfaces.

This type of jewelry is a staple of simple elegance and is easy to throw on at a minute’s notice. Take a pair of simple stackable rings or a medallion necklace, for example; put them on, and you’ve gone from casual to polished in an instant. Plus, it’s a long-term investment in quality and style you’ll get to cherish and wear any time you want.

Related post: Minimalist Jewelry: Back To Basics

Spice Up Your Minimalist Jewelry With Gemstones

A pop of color may be just what the fashionistas ordered. If your outfit of choice happens to be a simple white, beige or black ensemble, gemstone jewelry will serve as your ideal accessory. 

What we love about gemstones is their ability to look fabulous in whichever fine jewelry piece you prefer. Their color will give you the extra finesse your outfit needs to make a statement; from gemstone rings to a chic gemstone necklace or bracelet, your options are endless. 

As a minimalist rule, it’s less complicated to stick to your favorite type of gemstone and avoid unnecessary mixing and matching.

Avoid Complicated Designs

Minimalist jewelry can be fun and explorative, from asymmetric lines for abstract simplicity or perfectly symmetrical pieces that give you a sleek look. Try to avoid designs that are too intricate and move towards more opulent jewelry with clean cuts and smooth surfaces.

You don’t want to take away from the curated minimalism that comes with uncomplicated jewelry designs.

Buying A Piece of Minimalist Jewelry For Someone Special

If you’re thinking about getting a piece of jewelry for someone special, but you want it to be affordable and not over the top, minimalist jewelry is the way to go! 

We all like adding accessories to our jewelry boxes that we know we can wear every day no matter the occasion, so trust us when we say your gift will be appreciated and worn often!
Go for a simple stackable birthstone ring, a plain medallion necklace, a simple pair of hoop earrings, or a cuff bracelet to let them know you care and that you have great taste in jewelry.

Closing Thoughts

We at JamesAllen.com hope you enjoyed this article as much as we loved writing it. Our archives are brimming with fun and helpful tips about fine jewelry. Learn how to match your personality and style with the jewelry of your dreams. You can find our selection of reads below. 

If you have any questions about our products or you’d like to design your own earrings or pendants, visit our website here or get in contact with one of our 24/7 customer service agents here.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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Simulant Diamonds vs. Lab Created Diamonds: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a traditional diamond, you’ve come to the right place. We’re explaining the pros and cons of real diamonds and diamond simulants, so you can choose the right stone for you.

Pair of tweezers and various fancy shaped diamonds

Note: At James Allen, we sell only U.S. Federal Trade Commission-certified true diamonds, which include both lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds.

What’s A “Real Diamond”?

The term “diamond” refers to a very specific stone: the crystalline form of carbon. While other forms of carbon exist, what makes a diamond special is its particular atomic configuration.

A carbon atom can bond with a maximum of 4 other atoms – and in diamond, all the available spots are taken by…other carbon atoms! That’s right, it’s carbon all the way. And this results in an extremely stable, super hard, super sparkling stone. 

Real Diamonds

Lab Created Diamonds

The crystalline form of carbon we call “diamond” can be attained only through intense heat, constant pressure, and a good amount of time. Nowadays, we can achieve that in a lab in specialized machines that knock a few billion years off the cooking time. The result is a lab-made diamond that differs from an earth created diamond in name only.

If you were to look at both types of diamonds through a professional jeweler’s loupe, or if you were to inspect both diamonds on a molecular level, you would see no difference. The same result was achieved through very different processes.

Lab grown diamonds and earth created diamonds are optically and chemically identical, the only difference being their relative origins. And this difference in origin leads lab grown diamonds to flaunt a much lower price point.

Lab Created Diamonds

Simulants, however, are not diamonds. They’re different minerals that bear a resemblance to diamonds. We’ll dig into two of the most popular diamond simulants: cubic zirconia and moissanite.

Diamond Simulants: Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite

Diamond simulants are various types of man-made stones that are synthesized for the purpose of being diamond lookalikes. These clear, sparkling stones mimic the beauty of a diamond, but at a much lower cost. However, they do display marked differences to both lab created and earth mined diamonds in non-visual traits.

Why does this matter? It’s important to remember that clarity is only one characteristic of jewelry stones. Color, resilience, and sparkle vary between these different stones; stones’ specific characteristics can greatly affect how you wear them in jewelry, and their lifetime cost to you.

Cubic Zirconia

What is cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is arguably the most popular diamond simulant. It’s a man-made, crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. 

How is cubic zirconia made?

In a laboratory, zirconium oxide powder is melted into various stabilizing agents at a super-high temperature of nearly 5,000 degrees F. When left to cool, this mineral mixture forms crystals, which can then be cut and polished into jewelry-grade stones.

Moissanite

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a form of silicon carbide crystal that’s synthesized in a lab. The result is a clear stone that, on the surface, bears a striking resemblance to real diamonds

How is moissanite made?

Moissanite occurs naturally, but it’s incredibly rare. Thus, all the affordable moissanite on the market today is created in a lab. 

How to distinguish between a real diamond and a simulant diamond:

Durability

The standard measurement to determine a stone’s strength is the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It describes a mineral’s resistance to being scratched and is measured from 0 (maximum softness) to 10 (maximum hardness).

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds:

Diamonds are the toughest stones out there. They score a maximum of 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they can withstand absolutely anything you throw at them in your daily life. This durability is one of the reasons diamonds are the go-to stone for engagement rings, which are worn daily for decades at a time.

Because diamonds’ structure never changes, they can be passed on as family heirlooms. Both lab grown diamonds and earth created diamonds will last for, well, forever. 

Moissanite

While moissanite isn’t the hardest mineral out there, it’s close. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It’s more susceptible to scratching than diamonds are, but it still holds up extremely well to daily wear-and-tear.

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is moderately hard. At an 8 on the Mohs scale, its resilience is comparable to that of other jewelry stones like emerald, beryl, and amethyst. Because it’s scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof, cubic zirconia (particularly much-worn stones like those in engagement rings) often acquires many tiny scratches that cloud its appearance. When this occurs, a professional jeweler can recut the stone to restore its clarity.

Lifespan

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds

How long do diamonds last? Well, you’ll never have to throw one out due to deterioration. As the famous De Beer’s slogan correctly claims, “A diamond is forever.” The oldest diamonds found have existed for nearly 4 billion years, and they’re holding strong.

You can rest assured that any diamond you buy, whether earth mined or lab created, can be comfortably passed down through the generations. 

Moissanite

Though not as long-lasting as diamonds, moissanite will comfortably last for decades without any significant degradation in quality. However, since it’s a relatively newly recognized mineral, its exact lifespan is unknown.

Although discovered over a century ago, jewelry-grade moissanite crystals only began to be synthesized in the 1970’s and only became widely available in the 1980’s. Meaning, many couples getting engaged today with moissanite engagement rings were born before moissanite engagement rings became a thing. 

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia is made for short-term wear. With daily wear, you can expect them to last less than 5 years. This means cubic zirconia is a great “for the time being” stone; you can wear it as a placeholder until you replace it with your dream diamond.

Be advised that contact with common chemicals will cause cubic zirconia to lose its shine, making it wearable for shorter periods of time. So make sure to remove cubic zirconia jewelry before doing daily tasks like putting on lotion, using cleaning supplies, or using hairspray.

Color

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds

Colorless isn’t the only option! Due to trace elements in their composition, diamonds can display a range of colors. Plus, diamonds’ color is permanent. It won’t change at high temperatures or fade over time. 

Moissanite

Moissanite exhibits “thermochromism,” meaning that it is sensitive to a color change at temperatures above 150° F (65 C). These are usually temporary, but these heat-sensitive color changes can sometimes be permanent.

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia doesn’t change color when exposed to heat, but under UV radiation it can turn color, albeit temporarily. Most commonly, it turns yellowish, light green, or white. Indoors your stone will remain clear, but if you go outside on a sunny day it may change hue.

Sparkle

A diamond’s sparkle is largely thanks to two qualities: brilliance and fire.

“Brilliance” is a specific term describing a gemstone’s ability to return white light. It’s measured by the refractive index; a higher refractive index indicates a greater amount of white light reflected. The more white light reflected, the brighter the gemstone appears to the human eye.

“Fire” refers to a gemstone’s ability to return colored light, and is measured by the dispersion score. The higher a gemstone’s dispersion, the more it will display a rainbow of colors.

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds 

Diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42 and their faceting pattern returns light remarkably. They’re strikingly bright, but not too much so. Its dispersion is relatively low, at 0.044, so diamonds remain quite bright, with only minimal colorful sparkle. The combination of this brilliance (reflected white light) and fire (refracted color) give diamonds a truly balanced and unparalleled sparkle.

Moissanite

Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than diamonds, at 2.65, and thus appears incredibly bright under natural light. However, moissanite has crazy high dispersion: 0.104. This is why it reflects back a ton of colored light, leading to a “rainbow effect” that tends to overshadow its brilliance.

The rainbow effect tends to make moissanite look fake to the well-trained eye, and is especially noticeable under natural light and in larger stones. In short, moissanite can often appear “too sparkly” under certain lights.

Cubic zirconia

With a refractive index of 2.15, cubic zirconia is the least brilliant of the bunch. Its lower score means that it reflects less light back to the eye, appearing duller than both diamond and moissanite under identical light.

It has a slightly higher dispersion than diamond, around 0.058, but isn’t very noticeable. Under natural light, it will appear quite white, but it will definitely lack the sparkle of either diamond or moissanite.

Ideal Size

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds

Diamonds come in every carat. At James Allen, we sell loose diamonds in a huge range of carat sizes: from petite diamonds in 0.20 carats, all the way to large diamonds that are upwards of a whopping 20 carats. Diamonds’ stunning bright white brilliance and minimal color dispersal look amazing in any carat weight.

Moissanite:

Moissanite’s intense rainbow effect increases as the stone get larger. For this reason, it’s best to avoid large moissanite stones in jewelry. Stick with the smaller sizes; under 1 carat is best. Think: diamond for center stones, and moissanite for accent stones.

Cubic zirconia:

Cubic zirconia comes in as wide a range of carat sizes as diamonds do. While you can find cubic zirconia in as large a carat as you’d like, it’s best to choose an average-sized carat (around 1 carat) both to maximize the amount of light that hits the stone and to avoid the relatively dull shine that becomes obvious in larger stones.

Cost

Earth created diamonds

Traditional diamonds are the most expensive choice. The process of discovering, mining, and shipping earth created diamonds is resource-intensive; the high cost of bringing them to market has helped diamonds achieve their luxe reputation.

Lab created diamonds

For when you want a real diamond, but want to pay 30% less. Because the process of creating a diamond takes significantly less time and resources than mining a diamond from the earth do, lab made diamonds cost significantly less than earth mined diamonds.

Moissanite

This is quite affordable compared to diamond, but it’s the more expensive of the diamond simulants. Moissanite costs about half of what a traditional diamond under 1-carat costs. As a traditional diamond increase in carat weight, comparable moissanites become relatively more affordable. 

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is the most budget-friendly choice. It costs next to nothing compared to a traditional diamond. While a colorless, eye-clean 1-carat diamond could cost thousands of dollars, comparable cubic zirconia will cost only a few dozen dollars.

The Low-Down

Choose a classic earth created diamond if:

  1. You love diamond’s sparkle
  2. You’ll wear your diamond jewelry often
  3. You admire the billions of years of history contained in each stone

Choose a modern lab created diamond if:

  1. You love diamond’s sparkle
  2. You’ll wear your diamond jewelry often
  3. You want a large diamond at a lower price

Choose moissanite if:

  1. You’re on a budget
  2. You like small-carat stones
  3. You’ll wear your jewelry intensively

Choose cubic zirconia if:

  1. You’re on a budget
  2. You’ll wear your jewelry carefully and not every day
  3. You’re saving up for a more expensive stone

Choosing the stone that suits your lifestyle is an important part of designing meaningful jewelry that will last you throughout your life. And if you choose to buy either lab-created diamonds or earth-created diamonds, you can choose from 1000’s of beautiful options at James Allen.

Keep up on your diamond reading:

  1. Diamonds: The April Birthstone
  2. How To Take Care Of Your Diamond Jewelry
  3. Earth-Created Vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
  4. True Hearts™ Lab Created Diamonds
  5. Lab-Created Diamonds vs. Moissanite

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Your GIA Certification, Explained

A GIA certification is an official document detailing the nitty-gritty of your unique diamond. Why’s it important? Read on to find out.

GIA Certification

First of all, what’s a GIA certification?

A GIA certification (so named because it’s issued by the Gemological Institute of America) is a type of diamond certification: a document that describes in detail all the unique characteristics of your diamond. An official GIA inspector analyzes your diamond thoroughly and records its physical attributes in the certificate. The 4 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight) are covered exhaustively. No two diamonds will have identical GIA certificates.

In short, you can think of a GIA certification as your diamond’s “birth certificate.” 

Martini Diamond Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Three Prong Martini Round Brilliant Diamond Stud Earrings (1.00 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

“What I’m most pleased with is how sparkly the diamonds are. I’m so glad I chose the 3 prong martini style, they don’t stick out or droop. They fit as flush to the ear as possible if that’s the look you’d prefer.” -Joyce J.

Four-Prong Diamond Stud Earrings

14K White Gold Four Prong Round Brilliant Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings (1.50 CTW - F-G / VS2-SI1)

“I absolutely love my new earring studs! I was able to style them exactly how I wanted using the stones and metal I wanted. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.” -Matt T.

Is a GIA certification important? 

Well, yes and no. 

Yes: The GIA certification allows gemologists to identify, price, and appraise your diamond. By documenting its one-of-a-kind characteristics, a diamond certificate ensures that your stone is unmistakable.

No: You wear a diamond for the sparkle, not the certification. The GIA certification often comes in handy at the beginning of your diamond’s life – as you buy, appraise, and insure your diamond – then usually spends the rest of its days in a file cabinet.

To really understand the aspects of your diamond described in the GIA certification, you have to see them with your own eyes. With James Allen’s Diamond Display technology, you can view your diamond in 360° HD and up to 40x magnification. Then you’ll truly understand your diamond’s features.

Four-Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant

14K Yellow Gold Four Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

“More incredible than I could have hoped! I have to say, I am so impressed! This design is just perfect and really lets the diamond “shine,” literally and figuratively.” – Maggie L.

Mounted Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant

14K White Gold Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant (Mounting)

“The stone is so beautiful and sparkly. I love how it is set so it shows off the shape of the pear. The workmanship is great and it was shipped quickly. I am so happy with my Diamond pendant” -Lenora L.

Your GIA Certification

The good news is that every James Allen diamond comes with an official certification. We provide reports from the industry’s leading labs including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Your diamond may come with a diamond certification from the GIA, the American Gem Society (AGS), or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These labs adhere to the highest grading standards, and only issue diamond certifications certified by professional gemologists.

To get your diamond’s certificate, simply ask our customer service team! Your grading report is complementary with your diamond.

Beaded Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Bead Accent Pavé Trio Diamond Engagement Ring

“I am very happy with this ring setting. It feels very dainty and sort of vintage. I love the small details of this setting that make this ring feel unique, like the milgrain beading around the center stone.” -Noel B.

Pavé Halo Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Pavé Halo And Shank Diamond Engagement Ring (Pear Center)

“I got my ring several months ago and I still get excited every day when I see it. The ring is gorgeous and sparkly and exactly how I hoped it would look when I bought my stone!” Katrina H.

Earth Created Vs. Lab Created Diamonds?

Lab created diamonds and earth-created diamonds both come with diamond certifications. That’s because lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds are, well, diamonds. And since both grow organically (one underground, one in a lab) they both form their own unique, gradable characteristics. In fact, even professional gemologists can’t reliably tell the difference between earth-created and lab-created diamonds.

Four Prong Tennis Bracelet

14K White Gold Four Prong Lab Created Diamond Tennis Bracelet (2.00 CTW - F-G / VS2-SI1)

“I bought this bracelet as a present to myself. I extensively researched the difference between lab grown and earth diamonds and since there is no physical difference and I wanted the bigger diamonds I chose lab grown.” -Katrina D.

Bezel-Set Tennis Bracelet

14K Rose Gold Bezel Diamond Tennis Bracelet (3 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

“I have always been in search of a nice diamond bezel bracelet: something that sparkles and doesn’t get caught in your clothes. This bracelet just exceeds my expectations! The diamonds sparkle, the bracelet is smooth, and overall the design is very nice! I NEVER take it off!” – Beth L.

Still Have Questions?

At James Allen.com, our customer service agents are available to you 24/7. Feel free to contact us, and one of our non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts will help you find the diamond of your dreams. 

Still diamond curious? Read on!

  1. Diamonds: The April Birthstone
  2. How To Take Care Of Your Diamond Jewelry
  3. Earth-Created Vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
  4. Why Carat Weight Doesn’t Really Matter

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase.

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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How to Stack Your Jewelry Like A Pro

Stacking jewelry is a small pleasure that is both fun and fashion-forward. Keep reading on to find out all the ways you can combine your favorite pieces to perfect the art of stacking your jewelry. 

Stack Jewelry Like a Pro

We adore well-stacked and layered jewelry. It can take a bland outfit to a whole new level while appearing effortless. There’s no limit to what jewelry you can layer, from fine jewelry accessories to diamond trinkets. 

Layering your jewelry in a way that leaves your look polished and perfect can be a little tricky. There are basic rules and tips you can follow to make sure your style isn’t screaming “overkill.” We’ve come up with a few trusted tips that you can always keep in mind before you get ready for a casual night out or an important event. 

Whether you love layering necklaces or enjoy stacking rings, let us show you that more is definitely more when piling on sparkling accessories. 

The Art Of Layering And Stacking Necklaces

When layering your necklaces, it’s important to remember that it can be done no matter what time of year it is. Layering necklaces and pendants can be just as gorgeous over a turtleneck sweater as they would on a bare neck in the glowing summer.

As you layer, keep your touch as delicate as possible. You don’t want to add one chunky necklace next to another and risk looking sloppy. If you love the more heavy neck accessories, then consider layering a chunky choker with bolder chains.  

Pro tip: pearl necklaces make for a perfect classic chunky choker.

Freshwater Cultured Pearl Lariat Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Lariat Necklace (8.0-9.0mm)

Pair this timeless pearl necklace with smaller chains and be the picture of grace and sophistication. 

Triple Layer Pierced Diamond Specks Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Triple Layer Pierced Diamond Specks Necklace By Brevani

They say all good things come in threes: three layers of glittering perfection. 

For a softer look, we recommend taking a few elegant pieces, like a diamond or gemstone pendant, and pairing it with a few thinly chained necklaces of varying lengths. Allow them to rest about an inch from each other to get a decorated look.

Pro tip: Feel free to mix and match different metal types when you’re layering your necklaces. 

Kite Set Solitaire Diamond Pendant

14K White Gold Four Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant (0.25 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

What we love about a diamond pendant is that it can be paired with just about anything. 

East-West Diamond Halo Necklace

14K White Gold East-West Oval Rhodolite Garnet And Diamond Halo Necklace

Make a bold statement and keep all eyes on you with this showstopping stunner. 

Ring Stacking For Glamorous And Bold Ensembles  

We have two tips and tricks for stacking rings. One for stacking gemstone and fine jewelry rings and the other for artfully stacking your engagement ring

Stacking rings can be one way to express your unique personality. Stacked rings can give off an elegant aesthetic or more of a contemporary vibe, depending on your outfit of choice. 

Skies the limit when layering your rings, as texture and color mixing is always welcome! Play around with various shapes and lines to add horizontal and vertical dimensions to your style. 

Pro tip: make sure to leave one or two fingers ring-free when stacking and layering your rings.

Evil Eye Diamond Ring

14K Yellow Gold Evil Eye Diamond Ring

Try this beauty on for size and add all the texture and symbolism your ensemble is missing. 

Open Infinity Diamond Ring

14K Rose Gold Petite Open Infinity Diamond Ring

This piece is beautiful on its own or worn with other stackables for a trendier look. 

Stacking engagement rings with accented diamond rings is a trend we’ve seen celebrities like Hailey Bieber adopt in recent years. 

Depending on your engagement ring’s setting and center stone, there are endless ways to pair it with your wedding band and anniversary rings. You could pair a solitaire engagement band with a thin-band pavé eternity ring or stack your fancy-shaped diamond with a geometrical ring that sits well against its shape. 

Pro tip: stack your engagement ring with thin band rings, so you add to your sparkle without taking away its spotlight. 

Deep V Diamond Ring

14K White Gold Deep V Diamond Ring

The perfect partner to sit flush against your marquise or pear-shaped engagement ring.

Contour Diamond Eternity Ring

14K Rose Gold Shared Prong Contour Diamond Eternity Ring (1 CTW H-I / SI1-SI2)

This sparkling eternity ring will make you shine from every angle. 

Stacking Bracelets From Gemstones To Diamonds 

Layering your brackets is simply the easiest way to stack jewelry, as you’ll have a lot more wiggle room for quantity and can mix up your favorite metals. 

Try stacking smooth and clean-lined precious metal bracelets, either on both wrists or layered up one arm for a chic and polished look. This is lovely for your everyday work look or a semi-formal event.

If you’re feeling colorful and want to go wild with an array of textured and gemstone bracelets, then pick two main pieces you wish to highlight and dress them up with thick and thin bracelets and bangles. 

Pro tip: Invest in easy-to-slip-on bracelets if you’re planning on wearing them often.

Perpetual Diamond And Emerald Tennis Bracelet

14K White Gold Perpetual Diamond And Emerald Tennis Bracelet

Your friends will be emerald green with envy over your exquisite bracelet. 

Akoya Cultured Pearl Brilliance Bead Bangle Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl And Textured Brilliance Bead Bangle Bracelet (8.0-8.5mm)

We’ve said it, and we’ll continue to say it: you can never go wrong with pearls. 

Diamond bracelets are always a swoon-worthy trinket most of us would gladly slip on without hesitation.

The best way to stack your more expensive tennis bracelets without downplaying their brilliance is to layer with petite bracelets like an open cuff bracelet with diamond accents or a minimalist bangle bracelet. 

Pro tip: layer your bracelets with classic and modern pieces to achieve contemporary chic. 

Diamond Tennis Bracelet

14K White Gold Two Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet (2 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

This tennis bracelet is ideal for everyday wear and designed for easygoing glamour.  

Staple Cuff Bangle

14K Yellow Gold Staple Cuff Bangle

Lightweight and perfect for a minimalist or stacked look. 

Key Takeaways

Stacking and layering your jewelry may take a while to get right, but it’s part of the fun to learn what works for you and what doesn’t.

We hope you enjoyed our helpful tips and tricks and will continue experimenting with your favorite pieces. Don’t be afraid to invest in new fine jewelry and stay on top of the latest trends (or set your own!) 

We love to talk jewelry; that’s why James Allen‘s customer service agents are available to you 24/7. Feel free to contact us or visit our website here.

See our related articles below if you’d like to learn more about fine jewelry trends and stackable rings: 

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Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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fine jewelry including earrings, necklace and a tennis bracelet

Winter Jewelry Guide: Tips To Stay Warm & Sparkle

Read our winter jewelry guide for cool tips in time for the holiday season. 

Winter Jewelry Guide: Tips To Stay Warm & Sparkle

As the weather takes a cold turn and we start to cover up with gloves, scarves and sweaters, it’s the perfect time to lighten the mood by accessorizing with your favorite statement jewelry. Brrrace yourself, we’ve compiled a list of styling tips to make sure that you stay warm (and sparkle!) this winter. 

Go Long

Keeping warm in icy temperatures requires a bit of extra wardrobe work. With additional layers of clothing, it’s best to keep your jewelry simple. Stop your chains and necklaces from getting tangled with a single, elongated pendant. They’re long enough to fit over thicker clothing and offer a sparkly, solid glow.

Four Prong Basket Solitaire Pendant

14K White Gold Four Prong Basket Solitaire Lab Created Diamond Pendant

Emerald Cut Solitaire Pendant

14K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant

Pear-Shape Solitaire Pendant 

14K White Gold Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant

Glisten Up

Look extra cute when it’s extra cold with a pair of delicate studs. You’ll instantly brighten up any outfit and avoid dangly earrings getting caught in your scarf or turtlenecks. And small hoops? They’re perfect, not to mention chic.

Halo Diamond Earrings

14K White Gold Halo Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings

Wire Basket Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Six Prong Wire Basket Diamond Stud Earrings

Huggie Hoop Earrings

White Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings - Winter Jewelry Guide

Pretty Pearls

Pearls have always been a firm favorite for any season, and winter is no exception. They’re smooth, which means you won’t damage your winter clothing and are easy to accessorize. Plus, they seamlessly complement winter hues like black, navy and charcoal.

Cultured Pearl Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Textured Bead Bracelet

Pearl Bangle

18K Yellow Gold South Sea Cultured Pearl And Bezel Set Diamond Trio Bangle Bracelet

Keep It Basic

Ever snagged your favorite sweater while showing off your sparkler? Here’s an easy fix – flat rings. Not only are these safer for those delicate items of clothing, you’ll look equally dazzling. The cold weather is also the perfect opportunity to flaunt a ring with December’s wintery birthstone – blue topaz.

Pavė Rainbow Ring By Brevani

14K Yellow Gold Pave Rainbow Row Ring By Brevani

Infinity Blue Topaz Birthstone Ring

14K White Gold Infinity Blue Topaz Birthstone Ring

Ready for a sparkling winter? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!

Engagement ring catches your eye? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, in the comments below or visit JamesAllen.com!

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Jarred Maram

Jarred is a writer by day and unofficial office ping pong champion

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diamond-pendants-milgrain-bezel-pendant-cover

Diamond Pendants: The Essential Guide

Designed to be worn close to your heart, diamond pendants are among the most romantic gifts you can give or receive.

diamond pendants milgrain bezel pendant cover

Diamond Pendants: Necks Appeal

Few accessories have the ability to light up an outfit quite like diamond pendants. They’re perfectly positioned for maximum impact and come in a range of eye-catching styles.

Whether you’re after a piece that complements your everyday jewelry collection or a glamorous gift for special occasions, our guide has got you covered. So pop on some peppy music and get your jewelry to browse on.

Browse Preset Pendants

Diamond Pendants: Dangling Designs

Looking to treat your SO to a diamond pendant? Consider which style will best suit her personality. For the classic woman, a solitaire pendant adds a touch of refinement to any outfit.

14K White Gold Diamond Scroll Key Necklace
Diamond Scroll Key

If it’s a statement piece you’re after, key pendants are a popular choice, along with nature-inspired motifs such as hearts, flowers, and butterflies.

diamond pendants pavé butterfly pendant
Pavé Diamond Butterfly

If, on the other hand, she’s the artistic/creative type, a more whimsical or abstract design might be preferable.

Traditional

diamond pendants wire pendant
Wire Diamond

Solitaire diamond pendants are the ideal way to showcase a single stone. Opt for a prong mount if you wish to highlight the stone while concealing the metal behind it.

Pro tip: Less is more when it comes to choosing a diamond solitaire pendant. Go for a simple setting and pair it with a good quality diamond, focusing on clarity and cut for extra shine.

14K Yellow Gold Round Halo Cluster Necklace
Round Halo Cluster

For a more contemporary look, choose a bezel-set diamond pendant that surrounds the centerpiece with a thin band of metal.

Pavé-Set Frame

diamond pendants princess pavé set frame pendant
Princess Cut Pavé-Set Frame

Pavé-set frame draws more attention to the setting itself. It’s often accented with ornate filigree borders.

diamond pendants round pavé set frame pendant
Round Cut Pavé-Set Frame

Pavé Bail

diamond pendants pavé bail pendant
Pavé Bail Diamond

Pavé bail features diamond detail on the metal loop that connects the pendant to the chain.

Design Your Own Pendant

Diamond Pendants: Don’t Leave Us Hanging!

All the women who are into pendants! Let us know which neck candy you’re sweet on in the comments below or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat.

Find out which pendant styles will be the necks big thing for 2019 and see why diamond cluster is setting hearts aflutter.

Keep this pendant inspo firmly within your clasp (Pin it!)

diamond pendants essential guide pinterest pin

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Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

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